The Complete Guide to Nature Photography: Professional Techniques for Capturing Digital Images of Nature and Wildlife

This is not my first nature photography (or landscape photography) book that I have read - but I will definitely say that Sean's approach to writing this book is different, inspiring, and loaded with useful information. Whether you are just beginning in nature photography or have been shooting for years - this book is different. The first thing I noticed is Sean's approach starts with how to be safe, prepared and enjoy shooting at the same time. He discussed things you need to do for day hikes, overnight hikes, or even just a stroll out in nature. I've not seen any other book discuss this - and even better, Sean actually does these things himself. You'll get information on how to apply the equipment you have, how to understand all the various components of photography including lighting and composition. I've read this book twice now and I still find interesting things I have missed the first few times through - highly recommend this book if you're planning to do any kind of outdoor photography. The book is logically broken out into various sections beginning with where to start (packing your gear and reading the camera manual). Additional chapters about metering, framing, macro, filters/flash, he covers many subjects. In addition, the book contains assignments so you can go out and practice as you finish each chapter - always an inspiration to get out and shoot.

Sean's writing style is easy to understand and enjoyable while the photographs are well done and he shares both a little about the shot and his settings. There is a section covering how dangerous the wilds can be which is a idea good for the general public but steals pages that could have been used for more in-depth information on techniques. As far as photography advice he does a solid job with the basics and covers a broad spectrum with the unfortunate downside that most of this would already be known information for a more advanced photographer. So great for your just retired uncle who always loved photography but stuck to shooting his friends and family who is now interested in nature but wants to take better photographs while he explores and has a good DLSR with multiple lens. Not what I personally was looking for as a very dedicated photographer looking to improve my landscapes.

I am an amateur photographer and find this guide useful. The writing flows well and is easy to read and easy to follow. Mr. Arbabi used ample examples to articulate the key techniques. Given that I am not a novice, sometimes I found what he described confirmed my understanding, which gives me more confidence of how I may apply the approach. But I also find something I did not know or master before. Mr. Arbabi did not use much (although some) of the dramatic scenes of landscape which can only be gotten by trekking days, reaching high altitudes or freezing the wits. Instead, most people are able or possible to realize what described with some commitment and attention. The print quality is excellent. I find the print color is very natural, unlike some other books in which the colors are too much enhanced and not real. Each picture has a description of the camera/lens parameters as well as the thinking or strategy behind it.

I'm a rank newbie. And therefore am studying information from a variety of sources. Including the local library. That's where I first found Sean Arbabi's Guide. One of the few things I regretted about other instruction was that, though I found a lot to learn from almost all instructors, I didn't find a lot of what I wanted to emulate.I liked Arbabi's Guide first and foremost because of the photographs in the book. I wanted to look at them for a long time and I wanted to learn how to take pictures like that. In places where he had taken the pictures. My concern was that the instruction might not be as good as the photographs. I found the instruction clear, complete, and helpful. Useful. In all cases. I am confident that with what I learn from this book and other sources and with time I can take really good pictures. I like the book so well that I want regular access to it, and Mr. Arbabi might like knowing that I bought the book. It is everything I had hoped for and more.

Although this is not Sean Arbabi's first publication, it is the first of his books that I read (I am not new to photo books, I have read several by different authors.) Cover to cover... I ate this book up. It is full of useful information that can be tried immediately as each chapter is followed by an "assignment". Some of the material was refresher for me as I have been a hobbyist photographer for ten years, but it delves into more than your basic photographic information. I would give this book top reviews for the content alone but the images within are coffeetable appropriate. I had to use exraordinary self discipline to refrain from flipping ahead just to look at the amazing photos on almost every page! Every gorgeous image not only illustrates the topic, but includes all the shooting data as well ~ ie. focal length, apperture, shutter speed, ISO, filters when used, and exposures. I could not wait to turn the page. I learned alot from both content and the images. After reading this book I ordered his first one, The Better Photo Guide to Exposure.

I am not finished with this book yet but it has been very helpful on all fronts. The author writes on a level thats easy to understand and he comes from a practical approach that's easy for a beginner like me to follow. There are "assignments" after each chapter that slowly become more advanced. He does a good job of explaining concepts while not being too dogmatic or strict about rules. He does a good job of providing the information in a way that is useful to me even though I don't have a ton of equipment. The example pictures throughout illustrate what he is teaching in that chapter. Overall I'm glad I purchased this and would reccomend it to those like myself who don't have a ton of time or money to sink into a photography habit but want to know how to take good shots now and then.

The book arrived in very good condition. It's a very nice, big book with plenty of pictures, and instructions on how to take better photos.

Very pleased, worth every penny.

A very good book with lots of critical tips and beautiful professional picturesI can even learn more by studying the pictures and read the note below each of them.Definitely recommend it for both professional and novice artists

Excellent

I purchased this book via amazon.ca to see the fine points of nature photography. However, since I am always on the move when outdoors, my main objective was to learn only those photography techniques that could enable me take good pictures of nature on the go.The author-photographer Sean Arbabi has provided content that someone could only wish in his / her dreams. Not only has he provided techniques, but he has also backed them up with advice based on his personal experience and with a number of jaw dropping pictures. This book is a good read even if you are not aspiring to be a professional photographer. For an amateur photographer like me, the book offers learning along three major lines:(1) Techniques that I grew up using, but forgot over a period of time. There is a refresher of all those basics for me.(2) Highlighting many features of our digital cameras that we hardly use, but we can and should to improve the quality of our pictures.(3) Preparations required to take great shots. It is not all about camera gear, but also researching the location and the subject beforehand so as to avoid any surprises.This book is definitely going to be an asset for me for many years to come. I recommend this book highly.

Any serious photographer would have many photography books. This book did not bore me on the technical aspect of pictures taking. Instead it showed me through sample pictures how those technical parameters could work together to create a beautiful picture. I got the feeling that it was a writing from experience. I found it useful and I enjoyed reading it.